Aside from bennies and pension, perks are shit (coffee? water? buy your own)
You are correct. It is definitely not a flashy career option. However, if someone is unable to get ahead financially, but then turns down that government IT job because “I have to buy my own coffee”, then they are their own worst enemy. They’re the reason they’re drowning.
I spent my 20s basically in poverty. Whatever income I earned got sucked away by renting a home with insane heating costs, like $300 / month to keep the house at 55 in winter.
At 35 I applied for a government job in civil service. Fucking changed my life forever.
Work for the government. Civil service positions are always starving for people with skills and talent, because we do not pay as well as the private sector. It’s doesn’t offer the prestige of working for Google or Apple but you get better stability and benefits than most other jobs. I’m not saying civil service is for everyone. But if you’re struggling to build a future with your three part-time jobs plus driving rideshare on the side, we’re paying $23 / hour for entry-level IT work.
I lived in poverty for most of my 20s and had no hope for the future. I told myself I’d never sell out and slave away in some anonymous cubicle. In my mid 30s I sold out, I work a predictable 8-4 schedule, I have health benefits, I have a retirement plan, and I’ve been able to leapfrog ahead from working one full time and two part time jobs and eating mostly peanut butter to having my nights and weekends free, AND being able to afford to go out and do stuff, AND being able to buy a home.
Principles are great but man they’re expensive.
That sounds like it could be just about any job, but it’s the opposite of what I’ve experienced in civil service. I’m glad you found someplace you like better!